News & Events

Advertising Pays Off For ABQ Ride

ABQ RIDE has a contract with Lamar, a national advertising company, to sell advertising on city buses and most bus shelters. When Lamar reaches a minimum guarantee, it shares the revenues with the ABQ Ride, reducing the amount the bus system needs from the city’s general fund.

This year, the company presented the city with $80,098. Last year, the city received $204,183 from the company.

Lamar has paid Albuquerque $80,098 as its share of revenue generated by ads on the cit's buses and bus shelters.

“Taxpayers once again benefit because the money from this agreement helps offset some of ABQ RIDE’s costs,” said Mayor Richard J. Berry. “And we anticipate even more benefits from this contract for years to come, as our local economy continues to improve.”

Last year, Lamar bought and installed 49 bus shelters and used the ad revenue to pay for the program.

Bruce Rizzieri, director of ABQ RIDE, said, “The Transit Department is able to offset expenses by using its buses as advertising platforms and Lamar is able to consistently show its advertising to a large part of the metro area.”

Lamar Advertising Company joins the effort to support a local war veteran who is about to return home for the first time since he was injured overseas. Lamar donated 10 billboards throughout the Pittsburgh area to promote "Operation Doug".